CALGARY – 80-year-old Laurie Schmaus has seen seven deers killed on his property near Millarville, but never anything like this.
His beloved 14-year-old Jack Russel Terrier, Trixy was recently pinned down by a cougar on his driveway.
“I was in this position and I come running and I tripped and fell and by the time I landed I was 3-4 ft from the dog… I was yelling like you can’t believe and swingin’ my arms,” describes Schmaus.
Schmaus didn’t hesitate and lunged at the large cat, moments before it was about to clamp down on his dog.
“That dog has meant so much to the family and me. I’ve got 80 years in… She’s going to have to take me and the dog!”
Schmaus has seen dozens of cougars in the over thirty years living near Millarville. The area is known for its healthy cougar population.
So it’s not the first time residents have gotten an up-close look at the usually elusive species.
Five years ago, another resident pulled a dead deer carcass off the highway and onto his land. He decided to string up a camera and within 24 hours four cougars had paid a visit.
Conservationists say healthy deer populations are boosting cougar numbers.
Laurie Schmaus was able to scare the large cougar away and says he has no hard feelings towards the hungry cat.
“I can’t blame them; they gotta make a living too you know.”
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